These 4 Tamil Nadu Projects Are Turning Everyday Waste Into Something Useful and Beautiful
In most cities, waste is a problem waiting to be dumped. But in parts of Tamil Nadu, it’s become the starting point for innovation.
From turning old newspapers into handcrafted art to powering streetlights with leftover food, a handful of NGOs are showing how discarded materials can spark livelihoods, creativity, and change. Whether it’s cracker boxes after a festival or plastic tapes no one wants, these organisations are giving waste a second life — and communities a fresh purpose.
Here’s how they’re making it happen.
1. WELLPaper (Auroville)
What they do: WELLPaper (where WELL stands for Women Empowerment through Local Livelihood) trains local women to upcycle waste into handcrafted, eco-friendly products.
WELLPaper upskills local women from surrounding villages and teaches them to make products with the papier mache technique. Picture credits: WELLPaper
How they do it: They conduct workshops and skills training in papier-mâché techniques, and they turn old newspapers and solid waste into baskets, jewellery, and home décor.
Why it matters: Started as a tsunami rehabilitation initiative, WellPaper empowers women with livelihood skills while promoting sustainable art across India.
Find more details here.
2. Hand in Hand India (Chennai and Mahabalipuram)
What they do: The NGO converted hotel food waste into electricity to power streetlights as one of their projects.
Hand in Hand India has installed a 100 cu m biogas plant to manage food waste generated by the hotels in Mamallapuram. Picture Credits: Hand in Hand India
How they do it: They set up a bio-methanation plant that processes 500 kg of food waste daily to generate methane, which is then used to power local lighting.
Why it matters: It’s a powerful model of decentralised waste-to-energy conversion that supports cleaner cities and reduces dependency on fossil fuels.
Find more details here.
3. CommuniTree, Chennai
What they do: Communitree turns post-Diwali firecracker waste into biodegradable sapling planters.
Communitree hosts tree planting drives in schools, colleges and public parks. Picture Credits: Communitree
How they do it: They collect cracker boxes, rocket shells and cylindrical bombs from households, and repurpose them as planters for saplings like amla, neem and jackfruit.
Why it matters: This initiative reduces festival waste while driving community-led afforestation and green awareness.
Get more details here.
4. OK Upcycling Studio, Auroville
What they do: The NGO transforms discarded plastics and fabrics into wearable and visual art.
OK Upcycling Studio converts casually discarded items like sunglasses into lamps or other artsy pieces with utility. Picture Credits: OK Upcycling Studio
How they do it: Using old PVC, cassette tapes, and fabrics, they create bags, hats, and large installations, and run workshops on upcycling with schools and partners.
Why it matters: The studio merges creativity and sustainability, sparking important conversations around waste and design.
Get more details here.
Edited by Khushi Arora
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